Alternative Names: Excessive yawning

Considerations:

Yawning is a normal response to fatigue and drowsiness, but excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction and may indicate a heart problem.

Normal yawning may be induced when the brain or lungs are not getting enough oxygen (or when someone else yawns).

Common Causes:

• Drowsiness or weariness
• Disorders associated with excessive daytime sleepiness
• Vasovagal reaction
  • Heart attack
  • Aortic dissection

Home Care:

Follow prescribed treatment for dealing with the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if:

• There is any unexplained and excessive yawning.
• The yawning is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting excessive yawning in detail may include the following:

• When did the excessive yawning begin?
• How many yawns per hour or day?
• Is the yawning consistent throughout the day?
• Is it worse in the morning, after lunch, or during exercise?
• Is it worse in certain areas or certain rooms?
• Does yawning interfere with normal activities?
• Is the increased yawning related to amount of sleep received?
• Is it related to use of medications?
• Is it related to activity level?
• Is it related to boredom?
• What helps it?
• Does rest help?
• Does breathing deeply help?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• What medications are being taken?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed may include sleep studies.